After being closed to the public for 80 years, the hidden theatre within the London landmark has been lovingly restored and this new production is not only the first show to be housed at the theatre in almost a century but is also the first to be co-produced by the theatre itself.

Speaking on the reopening, Louise Stewart, Chief Executive of Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust said: “It is hugely exciting to be welcoming back Shakespeare to Alexandra Palace Theatre. To do so with such established and renowned peers, Headlong and Bristol Old Vic, is a real statement of intent for the venue. This is a bold partnership and I have no doubt that this beautifully preserved, reawakened space will provide the perfect backdrop for Headlong’s distinctive style.”

Richard III is the tale of one of Shakespeare’s most notorious and complex villains. The play tells the story of the Duke Of Gloucester’s rise to the throne through a campaign of deceit, manipulation and violence, all whilst maintaining a murderous desire to be loved.

A Headlong, Alexandra Palace and Bristol Old Vic co-production, John Haider directs Tom Mothersdale in the lead role. Mothersdale’s previous roles for Headlong include The Glass Menagerie, Boys and Romeo and Juliet.

Watch the trailer below:

Its home, the Alexandra Palace Theatre, first opened its doors in 1875, delighting audiences of 3000 people with a range of pantomime, opera, drama and ballet. It was at the forefront of stage mechanics, regularly seeing performers fly into the air and vanish into the stage.

After struggling to compete with the bustling West End, the theatre became a cinema, and more recently a prop store and workshop for the BBC. Its still faded grandeur is now set to welcome Richard III, and a brand new audience.

What are the critics saying?

★★★★ “Mothersdale rules the stage” – The Times

★★★★ “A superb performance, from a star in the making.” – The Stage

“Tom Mothersdale hypnotises as the unhinged overlord” – The Guardian

Richard III transfer from the Bristol Old Vic to the Alexandra Palace Theatre from Wednesday 13 March to Sunday 31 March 2019.